CLAIMS that Thanet Council has signed a deal with a freight company to run passenger ferry services between Ramsgate and Ostend have been denied. Transeuropa Shipping Lines was reported to be close to finalising a deal to use its ships for cars and passengers.

But a company spokesman said: "We have no comment to make about the passenger service." The council has repeatedly stated that although the port is ready and prepared to resume passenger services, no announcement would be made until any deal is signed, sealed and delivered.

Cllr Nicholson said on Tuesday morning: "Negotiations with Transeuropa and other possible operators are continuing. No agreement has been signed." The council would welcome a passenger service to compliment the very successful freight operation that runs from the port. "Transeuropa has expressed an interest in running a passenger ferry service on several occasions but so far no deal has been done," he said.